Cha-tou planter with grape-purple glaze
Chun ware

Special Exhibition of Chun Ware
Galleries 211, 213
2000/5/21 -

Renowned for its thick, luminous glaze, Chun ware has been prized and studied by ceramic collectors for centuries.  The primary Chun kilns were located in Henan province, in the traditional Chinese heartland of the central Yellow River valley.

Chun ware is renowned for its thick, opalescent glaze, which varies from moon-white and azure to bluish-green and lavender.   The approximately 100 pieces of Chun ware in the museum's collection fall into tow major categories, smaller utilitarian vessels and larger display vessels, which are distinguished not only by form and size, but also by color.

Chun ware was originally classified by Ming and Ch'ing dynasty connoisseurs as one of the "Five Famous Wares" of the Sung dynasty.  However, the majority of the Chun utilitarian ware in the museum's collection, when compared with recently excavated vessels, appears to date the the Chin and  Yuan dynasties (12th - 14th century).  Because of insufficient evidence, no precise date for the display ware has been established.

The present exhibition aims to provide visitors with the opportunity to examine a broad selection of these unique ceramics, and thereby gain a deeper appreciation for their diverse colors, varied forms, and fascinating glaze.